From the first chilling notes to the very end Penderecki held the audience captivated as he conducted his 2nd Cello Concerto and after that his 5th Symphony. Rostropovich on the cello, along with the orchestra, made the technically brilliant piece look about as easy as sweeping a floor with a toothpick. It was visibly an extremely tricky piece and it looked like they probably spent many hours getting it together. Despite this the playing was flawless with an ease and peace of mind evident in the music. Rostropovich's posture made it look as if he would rather be asleep, although the tone and musicality of his playing suggested otherwise.

Not being the greatest lover of most modern music, I didn't expect to like this concert much, although I tried at least to go in with an open mind. However, from the delicate opening chromatic scale in the violins, I was amazed by the ingenuity of the piece. The interesting instruments (chromatic treble timpani which were so long they had to be walked along and played by two people) and the interesting effect in the symphony of having two trumpeters on either side of the gallery added to my feeling of amazement. Part of the fun was having seen this concert live. When I heard it on the radio the next day, it had lost some of its magic. I definitely rate this as one of the best concerts I have been to.

David Franklyn, teenage class

The concert was lovely. It was fun meeting Rostropovich. The drums were very loud, they went boom loudly. The trumpets were so loud that I had to cover my ears. I liked the bells that went ding. Thank you for taking us to the concert.

Anna Craven, age 7, 3rd year class

What I liked about the concert (crash, bang, wallop and echo!): I went with Agnes Kory and some friends from the singing class to the Barbican. It was very enjoyable and new because I had never been to a concert before. All the musicians on the stage I think did a great job and at the interval we went to see Rostropovich who signed his name. It was a great evening and I enjoyed it and I would like to go again soon.

Rosy Morris (Snowdroplet), age 7, 3rd year class